Marcellus Shale Committee Formed to Address PA Development of the Marcellus Shale

WEXFORD, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Pennsylvania Oil & Gas Association (POGAM) and the Independent Oil & Gas Association of Pennsylvania (IOGA) today announced the formation of a joint Marcellus Shale Committee (MSC). The committee will represent the oil and gas industry in Pennsylvania on matters pertaining to the acquisition, exploration, drilling, and development of the Marcellus Shale natural gas resource and present a unified voice before all state, county, and local government or regulatory bodies.

“Pennsylvania stands to gain significant economic benefits from the development of the clean natural gas present in the Marcellus Shale,” said Rich Weber, Co-Chair of the MSC and President of Atlas Energy Resources. “With the potential for tremendous growth in this industry comes an immediate need for public information, policy review, and cooperative efforts among producers, state and basin regulatory agencies, landowners and citizens.”

The committee’s membership includes small independent producers with historical expertise in the Pennsylvania oil and gas fields and larger national companies dedicated to bringing their industry experience and resources to achieve common goals.

“We are working together to provide answers to Pennsylvania residents about the relatively new gas production operations,” said Ray Walker MSC Co-Chair and Vice President of Appalachia Shale for Range Resources. “We are confident that the natural gas from the Marcellus shale formation can be produced in a safe manner that provides a reliable source of clean energy and protects Pennsylvania’s environment.”

The MSC has an established Charter and receives its operational support from companies that make up the committee, as well as IOGA of Pennsylvania and POGAM.

The Marcellus Shale formation is an emerging source for natural gas in the country with potential reserves estimated to be as high as 50 – 200 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) and stretches from New York to West Virginia.

The Pennsylvania Oil & Gas Association and the Independent Oil & Gas Association of PA:

The Pennsylvania Oil & Gas Association (POGAM) and the Independent Oil & Gas Association (IOGA) are the two principal non-profit trade associations of the Commonwealth's independent oil and gas producers. POGAM and IOGA promote the general welfare of Pennsylvania's crude oil and natural gas exploration and production industry. These two associations are committed to the economical and environmentally responsible development, production and use of the Commonwealth's crude oil and natural gas resources.